Mineralization effect of ion-releasing fiber-reinforced composite in teeth with molar–incisor hypomineralization

Objective: To evaluate the long-term mineralizing effects of an experimental ion-releasing, short fiber-reinforced flowable composite (SFC-active) applied to human teeth with molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH). Methods: = 8). The teeth were stored in simulated body fluid at 37°C for 30 months. The mineralization effect was assessed at three regions (coronal, middle, and apical) under the restorations using micro-computed tomography (CT) (dentin density), micro-indentation (dentin hardness) and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (microstructure and calcium-to-phosphorus [Ca/P] ratio) analyses. Results: < 0.05). The Ca/P ratios of dentin varied beneath the different restorations, ranging from 1.49 to 1.60, with the highest ratios observed at the coronal region of the interface with SFC-active. Strontium and fluorine were detected in the dentin adjacent to the RMGIC restorations. Conclusion: SFC-active demonstrated a positive mineralizing effect on dentin, reflected by higher hardness and Ca/P ratios at the coronal region of the interface. These findings indicate that SFC-active is a promising restorative material for the management of MIH-affected teeth.